Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - August 21, 2015

From: Saranac Lake, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: General Botany
Title: What does the name montana mean in a species name?
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What does the name montana mean in a species name?

ANSWER:

According to David Gledhill (The Names of Plants.  3rd Edition.  2002.  Cambridge University Press):

montanus, montana and montanum (as well as, monticolus, monticola and moniticolum) mean "of mountains, mountain-dweller".

 

More General Botany Questions

Plant-related skin rashes from Round Rock TX
September 23, 2013 - I have been plagued with persistent skin rashes this summer, and it is happening with plants that have never bothered me before, for example, red yucca. The dermatologist says it is a plant reaction,...
view the full question and answer

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone of Worcester, Massachusetts
November 11, 2008 - What zone is Worcester, Massachusetts?
view the full question and answer

Percentage of flowers that close up at night
July 19, 2007 - Percentage-wise, approximately how many species of flowers close up at night? Is there a list anywhere?
view the full question and answer

Consequences of leaving geranium in dark room
December 18, 2005 - What would happen to a geranium plant that was left to grow in a dark room for many days?
view the full question and answer

Increase in plant cell size when nuclei take on water
March 07, 2008 - Do plant cells increase in size when vacuoles or nuclei take on water?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.